Vocational technical training, also known as Career Technical programs and applied learning, helps students learn about possible career paths and prepare for the workforce. These programs also increase the chance that a student will graduate.

The Oregon Department of Education has data that shows students are more likely to graduate if they participate in a vocational technical, or CTE, program:

According to the Oregon Department of Education,“The 2013-2014 four-year cohort graduation rate for CTE concentrators in Oregon was 85.7%; for all students (including CTE concentrators) it was 76.4%. An Oregon CTE concentrator is a student who has earned one or more credits in a technical skill course(s) within an Oregon state-approved CTE Program of Study.”

Projects in Ballot Measure 22-165 would include remodeling existing classrooms and building new instructional space to allow hands-on activities in high-demand career fields.

A recent work group identified current and planned vocational technical education programs that would be added to all middle and high schools if the bond passes in May.

Registration is now open for the annual fundraising run to benefit Albany Public Schools Foundation on March 11. The annual event is one of the main fundraisers to support foundation-sponsored programs for GAPS students.

Participants can register for a 5K or 10 mile run. There will also be a kids dash for the youngest kids.